County in a “Solid Cash Position”

February 16, 2018

By Becky Brewster

Culberson County Commissioners met in Regular Session on February 12 to learn the results of the County’s audit.According to Rick Knapp, outside auditor for the County, the County is again in “a solid cash position.”Knapp presented the audit report for the fiscal year ending Sept 30, 2017, noting that the County had “a good year” with an “unqualified opinion.”He reported that there were no significant difficulties, the cash position was better than last year, and the debt was low.Knapp expressed appreciation to County Auditor Mark Cabezuela and County Treasurer Susie Hinojos for their efforts in completing the audit stating that they had “done an excellent job.”Judge Carlos Urias stated that the County “had an incredible audit” with “special thanks to Cabezuela and Hinojos.”

The County also welcomed Amber Caroll as the new County Extension Agent.

The Commissioners then reviewed construction pictures for the concession stand/restroom renovations at the Veteran’s Memorial Park. The contractor, Tri-Temp Electric, anticipates that construction will finish ahead of schedule so that the facility will be ready for the start of softball season.The project is being funded by a Texas Community Development Block Grant through the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Precinct Two Commissioner Raul Rodriguez reported on the improvements at the County Park, noting that the new picnic tables and BBQ grills have been installed.Rodriguez expressed appreciation to Jobe for donating the concrete for this project.The first phase of the park improvements included the installation of new playground equipment.Rodriguez noted that next phase of the project will be the leveling of the cement that has been cracking and deteriorating over the years.Precinct Four Commissioner Adrian Norman reported that the lights are scheduled to be erected at the Red Sox Field.

The Court approved a resolution and service contract for a joint Democratic and Republican Primary.The local Democratic Party contracted with the County in November for the March 6, 2018 primary.However, since the prior Republican Party Chair had moved from Van Horn and no one had stepped up to fill the vacancy, there was not going to be a Republican primary in Culberson County.Recently, though, the State Republican Party approached the County Clerk to contract with her office to conduct the Republican Primary as well.Because there is no local Republican Party Chair, no local candidates could file to run on the Republican ballot.

In other County business, the Court also

• Approved a lease agreement for the airport hangar with Jackson Farms.